The government has launched a programme to teach the Holy Quran to Maldivian residing overseas.

During a function held at the Islamic Center on Monday morning, Vice President Faisal Naseem inaugurated the programme, led by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Speaking at the ceremony, VP Naseem stated that the government gives priority to fulfil the needs of all Maldivians, both within the country and overseas, adding that the administration keeps close contact with local living overseas.

VP Naseem noted that the inauguration of the online programme, which offers three levels of certificate courses, would allow Maldivians living abroad to pursue their recitation certifications.

Further, the vice president went on to note the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s commitment to enhance and promote Islamic principles within Maldivian communities. With this regard, he shed light on the success of the National Quran Competition held last year despite the challenges posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

VP Naseem went on to praise the role of the National Centre for the Holy Quran and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in facilitating online outreach programmes for Maldivian students residing abroad.

The ceremony was also joined by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Ahmed Zahir, High Commissioner of the Maldives to Malaysia Visam Ali, Deputy High Commissioner of the Maldives to Sri Lanka Aslam Shakir and the High Commissioner of the Maldives to India Dr Hussain Niyaz

Also speaking at the ceremony, Minister Zahir noted that teaching Quran is one of the “most beneficial” acts in Islam, going on to thank the government for facilitating such a programme.

66 Maldivian students residing in Malaysia, eight in India and 25 in Sri Lanka are enrolled in the programme. The programme aims to assist locals overseas to obtain their certificates in Quran recitations, as well as to understand the Quran.